Impact of reducing lipid content during in vitro embryo production: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is still no consensus regarding the role of lipid modulators during in vitro embryo production. Thus, we investigated how lipid reducers during the in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos impact their cryotolerance. A literature search was performed using three databases, recovering 43 articles for the systematic review, comprising 75 experiments (13 performed in IVM, 62 in IVC) and testing 13 substances. In 39 % of the experiments, an increase in oocyte and/or embryo survival after cryopreservation was reported, in contrast to 48 % exhibiting no effect, 5 % causing negative effects, and 8 % influencing in a dose-dependent manner. Of the 75 experiments extracted during IVM and IVC, 41 quantified the lipid content. Of those that reduced lipid content (n = 26), 50 % increased cryotolerance, 34 % had no effect, 8 % harmed oocyte/embryo survival, and 8 % had different results depending on the concentration used. Moreover, 28 out of the 43 studies were analyzed under a meta-analytical approach at the IVC stage in cattle. There was an improvement in the cryotolerance of bovine embryos when the lipid content was reduced. Forskolin, l-carnitine, and phenazine ethosulfate positively affected cryotolerance, while conjugated linoleic acid had no effect and impaired embryonic development. Moreover, fetal bovine serum has a positive impact on cryotolerance. SOF and CR1aa IVC media improved cryotolerance, while mSOF showed no effect. In conclusion, lipid modulators did not unanimously improve cryotolerance, especially when used in IVM, but presented positive effects on cryotolerance during IVC when reaching lipid reduction.

Cannabinoid type 2 receptor inhibition enhances the antidepressant and proneurogenic effects of physical exercise after chronic stress.

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) has emerged as a promising target to counteract stress-related disorders given the ability of newborn neurons to facilitate endogenous plasticity. Recent data sheds light on the interaction between cannabinoids and neurotrophic factors underlying the regulation of AHN, with important effects on cognitive plasticity and emotional flexibility. Since physical exercise (PE) is known to enhance neurotrophic factor levels, we hypothesised that PE could engage with cannabinoids to influence AHN and that this would result in beneficial effects under stressful conditions. We therefore investigated the actions of modulating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), which are devoid of psychotropic effects, in combination with PE in chronically stressed animals. We found that CB2R inhibition, but not CB2R activation, in combination with PE significantly ameliorated stress-evoked emotional changes and cognitive deficits. Importantly, this combined strategy critically shaped stress-induced changes in AHN dynamics, leading to a significant increase in the rates of cell proliferation and differentiation of newborn neurons, overall reduction in neuroinflammation, and increased hippocampal levels of BDNF. Together, these results show that CB2Rs are crucial regulators of the beneficial effects of PE in countering the effects of chronic stress. Our work emphasises the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind the actions of cannabinoids and PE and provides a framework for future therapeutic strategies to treat stress-related disorders that capitalise on lifestyle interventions complemented with endocannabinoid pharmacomodulation.

Beyond a Transmission Cable-New Technologies to Reveal the Richness in Axonal Electrophysiology.

The axon is a neuronal structure capable of processing, encoding, and transmitting information. This assessment contrasts with a limiting, but deeply rooted, perspective where the axon functions solely as a transmission cable of somatodendritic activity, sending signals in the form of stereotypical action potentials. This perspective arose, at least partially, because of the technical difficulties in probing axons: their extreme length-to-diameter ratio and intricate growth paths preclude the study of their dynamics through traditional techniques. Recent findings are challenging this view and revealing a much larger repertoire of axonal computations. Axons display complex signaling processes and structure-function relationships, which can be modulated via diverse activity-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, axons can exhibit patterns of activity that are dramatically different from those of their corresponding soma. Not surprisingly, many of these recent discoveries have been driven by novel technology developments, which allow for in vitro axon electrophysiology with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. In this review, we outline the state-of-the-art in vitro toolset for axonal electrophysiology and summarize the recent discoveries in axon function it has enabled. We also review the increasing repertoire of microtechnologies for controlling axon guidance which, in combination with the available cutting-edge electrophysiology and imaging approaches, have the potential for more controlled and high-throughput in vitro studies. We anticipate that a larger adoption of these new technologies by the neuroscience community will drive a new era of experimental opportunities in the study of axon physiology and consequently, neuronal function.

Long-term impacts of 48-h water and feed deprivation on blood and performance responses of grazing Bos indicus Nellore heifers.

The study investigated the effects of 48-h water and feed deprivation on blood and the performance of grazing Nellore (Bos indicus) heifers. Twenty-four Nellore heifers (initial body weight [BW] = 238 ±â€…10 kg; age = 16 ±â€…2 mo), were ranked by initial BW and age and randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: (1) grazing animals with free access to pasture, water, and mineral-mix (CON; n = 12), or (2) the same grazing conditions but deprived of pasture, water, and mineral-mix for 48 h (DPR; n = 12). The paddocks consisted of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, using a continuous and fixed stocking rate. The experiment lasted 225 d, with the first 14 d considered as the adaptation period (days -14 to -1) and the subsequent 211 d as the evaluation period (days 0 to 211). From days 0 to 2, treatments were applied by keeping the DPR heifers in pens and reintegrating them into the experimental area after a 48-h water and feed deprivation. Individual full BW was recorded on days -14, -13, -1, before (day 0) and after (day 2) treatment application, and on days 6, 11, 12, 41, 42, 210, and 211. Blood samples were collected in the morning on days 0, 2, 6, 12, and 211. A treatment effect was detected (P < 0.001) for shrink BW from days 0 to 2, which was greater (P < 0.001) in DPR vs. CON heifers. Subsequently, DPR animals were lighter (P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers by the end of the deprivation period (day 2). From days 4 to 211, DPR was lighter (P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers after treatment application and for the entire experimental period. In the first 10 d after treatment application (days 2 to 12), DPR heifers showed a partial compensatory average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers, while no significant differences were observed in ADG between the treatments from days 12 to 42 and 42 to 211 (P > 0.420). Overall ADG (days 2 to 211) was greater (P < 0.001) for DPR vs. CON heifers. All serum variables, except AST, were higher (P < 0.001) in DPR than in CON heifers on day 2 after treatment application. Our study demonstrates that grazing Nellore heifers subjected to 48-h water and feed deprivation experienced significant alterations in their blood metabolites and BW immediately after the stressful event. Although the deprived heifers partially compensated for their BW loss in the early days post-deprivation, they remained 12 kg lighter than the non-deprived animals throughout the production cycle.

[Clinical profile and non-recreational methamphetamine abuse (shabu) among stroke patients in the Philippine population]. / Perfil clínico y abuso de metanfetamina no recreativa (shabú) entre los pacientes con ictus en la población filipina.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic non-recreational use of methamphetamine (shabu) is increasing among the Filipino population in Barcelona. The Asian population presents a different stroke pattern, with a higher incidence of haemorrhage, and different vascular risk factors and health behaviours. The objective of this study is to describe the stroke profile and incidence of methamphetamine use in patients of Filipino origin admitted to our centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data and prognosis were recorded. Methamphetamine exposure was analysed in plasma samples collected on admission, which were then analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Of a total of 6,418 stroke patients, 73 (1.1%) were identified as being of Filipino origin. The mean age was 54.4 ± 12.1 years, 54% were male and the stroke was ischaemic in 64.4% of cases. Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor. Ten (13.7%) patients tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. These results confirm recent substance use prior to the stroke, mostly in men (80%). In patients who were consumers, 60% had a haemorrhagic stroke, with a poor functional prognosis at three months in 55.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, patients of Filipino ethnicity admitted for stroke related to the consumption of shabu belonged a younger age bracket, with a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and a predominance of the haemorrhagic subtype. Methamphetamine testing in Filipino stroke patients is recommended due to the high prevalence of methamphetamine use in our country.

TITLE: Perfil clínico y abuso de metanfetamina no recreativa (shabú) entre los pacientes con ictus en la población filipina.Introducción. En la población filipina de Barcelona está aumentando el consumo crónico no recreativo de metanfetaminas (shabú). La población asiática presenta un patrón de ictus diferente, con mayor incidencia de hemorragias, y diferentes factores de riesgo vascular y conductas de salud. El objetivo es describir el perfil de ictus e incidencia de consumo de metanfetaminas en pacientes de origen filipino ingresados en nuestro centro. Pacientes y métodos. Se registraron datos demográficos, factores de riesgo vascular, datos clínicos y pronóstico. Se analizó la exposición a metanfetamina en muestras de plasma recogidas en el ingreso, que se analizaron por cromatografía líquida-espectrometría de masas. Resultados. Del total de 6.418 pacientes con ictus, se identificó a 73 pacientes filipinos (1,1%). La edad media era de 54,4 ± 12,1 años, el 54% eran hombres y el ictus era isquémico en el 64,4%. La hipertensión arterial fue el principal factor de riesgo. Diez (13,7%) pacientes dieron positivo a metanfetamina y anfetamina. Estos resultados confirman un consumo reciente de sustancias previo al ictus, principalmente en hombres (80%). En pacientes consumidores, un 60% presentaba un ictus hemorrágico, con mal pronóstico funcional a tres meses en el 55,6% de los pacientes. Conclusiones. En nuestro medio, los pacientes de etnia filipina ingresados por ictus en relación con consumo de shabú presentaron un perfil de edad más joven, con menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo vascular y predominio del subtipo hemorrágico. Se recomienda la determinación de metanfetamina en los pacientes filipinos con ictus debido a la alta prevalencia del consumo de metanfetamina en nuestro país.

Perfil clínico y abuso de metanfetamina no recreativa (shabú) entre los pacientes con ictus en la población filipina / Clinical profile and non-recreational methamphetamine abuse (shabu) among stroke patients in the Philippine population

Introducción En la población filipina de Barcelona está aumentando el consumo crónico no recreativo de metanfetaminas (shabú). La población asiática presenta un patrón de ictus diferente, con mayor incidencia de hemorragias, y diferentes factores de riesgo vascular y conductas de salud. El objetivo es describir el perfil de ictus e incidencia de consumo de metanfetaminas en pacientes de origen filipino ingresados en nuestro centro. Pacientes y métodos Se registraron datos demográficos, factores de riesgo vascular, datos clínicos y pronóstico. Se analizó la exposición a metanfetamina en muestras de plasma recogidas en el ingreso, que se analizaron por cromatografía líquida-espectrometría de masas. Resultados Del total de 6.418 pacientes con ictus, se identificó a 73 pacientes filipinos (1,1%). La edad media era de 54,4 ± 12,1 años, el 54% eran hombres y el ictus era isquémico en el 64,4%. La hipertensión arterial fue el principal factor de riesgo. Diez (13,7%) pacientes dieron positivo a metanfetamina y anfetamina. Estos resultados confirman un consumo reciente de sustancias previo al ictus, principalmente en hombres (80%). En pacientes consumidores, un 60% presentaba un ictus hemorrágico, con mal pronóstico funcional a tres meses en el 55,6% de los pacientes. Conclusiones En nuestro medio, los pacientes de etnia filipina ingresados por ictus en relación con consumo de shabú presentaron un perfil de edad más joven, con menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo vascular y predominio del subtipo hemorrágico. Se recomienda la determinación de metanfetamina en los pacientes filipinos con ictus debido a la alta prevalencia del consumo de metanfetamina en nuestro país. (AU)

INTRODUCTION Chronic non-recreational use of methamphetamine (shabú) is increasing among the Filipino population in Barcelona. The Asian population presents a different stroke pattern, with a higher incidence of haemorrhage, and different vascular risk factors and health behaviours. The objective of this study is to describe the stroke profile and incidence of methamphetamine use in patients of Filipino origin admitted to our centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data and prognosis were recorded. Methamphetamine exposure was analysed in plasma samples collected on admission, which were then analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Of a total of 6,418 stroke patients, 73 (1.1%) were identified as being of Filipino origin. The mean age was 54.4 ± 12.1 years, 54% were male and the stroke was ischaemic in 64.4% of cases. Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor. Ten (13.7%) patients tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. These results confirm recent substance use prior to the stroke, mostly in men (80%). In patients who were consumers, 60% had a haemorrhagic stroke, with a poor functional prognosis at three months in 55.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS In our setting, patients of Filipino ethnicity admitted for stroke related to the consumption of shabú belonged a younger age bracket, with a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and a predominance of the haemorrhagic subtype. Methamphetamine testing in Filipino stroke patients is recommended due to the high prevalence of methamphetamine use in our country. (AU)

Genetic Ancestry, Race, and Severity of Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis in Latin America.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Genetic ancestry or racial differences in health outcomes exist in diseases associated with systemic inflammation (eg, COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the association of genetic ancestry and race with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is characterized by acute systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure, and high risk of short-term death. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analyzed a comprehensive set of data, including genetic ancestry and race among several others, in 1274 patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis who were nonelectively admitted to 44 hospitals from 7 Latin American countries. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-five patients (31.0%) had ACLF of any grade at enrollment. Patients with ACLF had a higher median percentage of Native American genetic ancestry and lower median percentage of European ancestry than patients without ACLF (22.6% vs 12.9% and 53.4% vs 59.6%, respectively). The median percentage of African genetic ancestry was low among patients with ACLF and among those without ACLF. In terms of race, a higher percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were Native American and a lower percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were European American or African American. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the odds ratio for ACLF at enrollment was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.03-1.13) with Native American genetic ancestry and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.84-3.58) for Native American race vs European American race CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of Latin American patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, increasing percentages of Native American ancestry and Native American race were factors independently associated with ACLF at enrollment.

Nose-Flap Devices Used for Two-Stage Weaning Produce Wounds in the Nostrils of Beef Calves: Case Report.

This case report aims to describe the occurrence of negative impacts of wearing nose-flap devices on beef calves subjected to the two-stage weaning method. Forty-one calves, twenty-one pure Nellore and twenty F1 Angus-Nellore, were weaned on average at 236 days of age. Commercial nose-flap devices were fitted in the nostrils of the calves (d0) to prevent suckling and removed five days later (d5). Individual body weights were assessed at d0 and d5, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. At d5, during nose-flap device removal, it was noted that 26.8% of the calves lost the nose-flap device; however, all of them had wounds in their nostrils (no injuries in the nostrils had been observed on d0). To assess the severity of these injuries, an impairment score was assigned to each calf, ranging from 1 = no lesions to 5 = injured with purulent discharge. A logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the effect of sex and genetic group on nose-flap retention (kept or lost). The retention rate did not differ (p > 0.05) between sex and genetic groups. All calves showed at least open wounds of the nasal septum (score 2), including those that lost the nose-flaps before d5. Almost half of the calves showed weight loss during this period. We conclude that there is a considerable risk of the two-stage weaning method compromising the physical integrity of the nostrils of beef calves through the use of these devices, and due to this, it should not be referred to as a low-stress weaning practice for beef calves.

Sarcopenia, body composition and factors associated with variceal gastrointestinal bleeding and splenectomy in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a common complication of cirrhosis and an important predictor of morbimortality. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) as well as to evaluate whether muscle mass and function are associated with variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB) and previous splenectomy in subjects without other liver diseases. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including adults with HSS who underwent clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, muscle strength and physical performance evaluations and were submitted to bioelectrical impedance analysis and abdominal ultrasound. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 European consensus criteria. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients with HSS (62.1% male; mean age 48.8±8.6 y) were included. Overall, six subjects (9.1%) were diagnosed with probable sarcopenia and none had confirmed sarcopenia. Fat-free body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with VUGIB (odds ratio 0.701 [95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.96]; p=0.025). Compared with patients who did not undergo surgery, individuals who underwent esophagogastric devascularization combined with splenectomy (EGDS) had higher serum lipid levels, fat percentage and frequency of metabolic syndrome, with lower skeletal muscle mass index and hand grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: HSS mansoni seems not to cause sarcopenia. However, a lower fat-free BMI was associated with previous VUGIB and the subgroup of patients who underwent EGDS presented higher lipid levels, fat percentage and frequency of metabolic syndrome and lower muscle mass and function.

NMR spectroscopy of a single mammalian early stage embryo.

The resolving power, chemical sensitivity and non-invasive nature of NMR have made it an established technique for in vivo studies of large organisms both for research and clinical applications. NMR would clearly be beneficial for analysis of entities at the microscopic scale of about 1 nL (the nanoliter scale), typical of early development of mammalian embryos, microtissues and organoids: the scale where the building blocks of complex organisms could be observed. However, the handling of such small samples (about 100 µm) and sensitivity issues have prevented a widespread adoption of NMR. In this article we show how these limitations can be overcome to obtain NMR spectra of a mammalian embryo in its early stage. To achieve this we employ ultra-compact micro-chip technologies in combination with 3D-printed micro-structures. Such device is packaged for use as plug & play sensor and it shows sufficient sensitivity to resolve NMR signals from individual bovine pre-implantation embryos. The embryos in this study are obtained through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) techniques, transported cryopreserved to the NMR laboratory, and measured shortly after thawing. In less than 1 h these spherical samples of just 130-190 µm produce distinct spectral peaks, largely originating from lipids contained inside them. We further observe how the spectra vary from one sample to another despite their optical and morphological similarities, suggesting that the method can further develop into a non-invasive embryo assay for selection prior to embryo transfer.

Liver stiffness is able to differentiate hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis mansoni from liver cirrhosis and spleen stiffness may be a predictor of variceal bleeding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography is limited for differentiating portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis from that secondary to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS). We aimed to investigate the role of transient elastography (TE) in differentiating HSS mansoni from cirrhosis and the factors associated with liver and spleen stiffness (LS and SS) in HSS. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients with HSS mansoni (n=29) and liver cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (n=23). All patients underwent TE and those with HSS were assessed by the Niamey protocol. RESULTS: HSS subjects presented lower median LS (9.6 vs 21.3 Kpa, p<0.001) and liver controlled attenuation parameter (229 vs 274 dB/m, p=0.010) than cirrhosis subjects, in addition to higher SS (73.5 vs 42.2 Kpa, p=0.002). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting cirrhosis by LS was 0.947 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.00, p<0.001), with an optimal cut-off of 11.75 Kpa. In HSS subjects, higher SS was associated with the presence of the following: diabetes mellitus (p=0.036), metabolic syndrome (p=0.043), esophageal varices (p=0.001), portal vein thrombosis (p=0.047) and previous variceal bleeding (p=0.011). In HSS patients without portal vein thrombosis, variceal bleeding was associated with higher SS (p=0.018). Niamey categories were not associated with LS (p=0.676) or SS (p=0.504). CONCLUSION: TE can play a role in differentiating HSS from cirrhosis, especially by LS. SS may be further investigated for predicting complications in HSS.

Bidirectional flow of action potentials in axons drives activity dynamics in neuronal cultures.

Objective. Recent technological advances are revealing the complex physiology of the axon and challenging long-standing assumptions. Namely, while most action potential (AP) initiation occurs at the axon initial segment in central nervous system neurons, initiation in distal parts of the axon has been reported to occur in both physiological and pathological conditions. The functional role of these ectopic APs, if exists, is still not clear, nor its impact on network activity dynamics.Approach. Using an electrophysiology platform specifically designed for assessing axonal conduction we show here for the first time regular and effective bidirectional axonal conduction in hippocampal and dorsal root ganglia cultures. We investigate and characterize this bidirectional propagation both in physiological conditions and after distal axotomy.Main results.A significant fraction of APs are not coming from the canonical synapse-dendrite-soma signal flow, but instead from signals originating at the distal axon. Importantly, antidromic APs may carry information and can have a functional impact on the neuron, as they consistently depolarize the soma. Thus, plasticity or gene transduction mechanisms triggered by soma depolarization can also be affected by these antidromic APs. Conduction velocity is asymmetrical, with antidromic conduction being slower than orthodromic.Significance.Altogether these findings have important implications for the study of neuronal functionin vitro, reshaping our understanding on how information flows in neuronal cultures.

Behavior, blood stress indicators, skin lesions, and meat quality in pigs transported to slaughter at different loading densities.

A total of 1,936 pigs were transported through 8 trips (8.4 ± 0.5 hr) from 2 grow-to-finish farms to a commercial slaughter plant, all located in Southern Brazil. On each trip, a sub-sample of each load (36 barrows/load, weighing 118.9 ± 9.8 kg) was randomly allocated into one of the following loading densities during transport: 200 kg/m2 (D200), 235 kg/m2 (D235), and 270 kg/m2 (D270). Behavioral recordings of postures and activities were made during transportation and lairage using video-cameras. At slaughter, blood samples were collected to assess the concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate. Carcass weights and skin lesion scores were assessed on-line, and meat quality was evaluated in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle by assessing pH, color, and drip loss. During transportation, the proportion of animals lying down was higher (P < 0.05) in D200 and D235 groups compared with D270. The proportion of sitting animals during transportation was higher (P < 0.01) in D270 compared with D200. In lairage, D200 and D235 pigs stood more compared with D270 (P = 0.01), while the proportion of lying pigs was higher (P = 0.02) for D270 pigs compared with D200 and D235. The frequency of drinking bouts in lairage was higher (P < 0.05) for D200 group compared with D235 and D270. The levels of CK were lower (P < 0.05) in D200 pigs transported compared with D270. Lesion scores tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in D270 carcasses compared with D200 and D235. A tendency for lower (P = 0.10) pH1 values in the LT muscle of D270 pigs compared with D200 pigs was also found. Based on the results of this study, the application of lower loading densities (≤235 kg/m2) in the truck allows pigs to have sufficient space to rest, travel more comfortably and arrive less fatigued at the slaughter plant.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis who underwent oesophagogastric devascularization combined with splenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been described in nearly 50% of patients who underwent oesophagogastric devascularization combined with splenectomy (EGDS), but no previous study has compared its occurrence in surgical and non-surgical groups. This study aimed to investigate PVT in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) and its association with EGDS and upper variceal bleeding (UVB). METHODS: Retrospectively, 104 HSS individuals were enrolled. Following EGDS, the occurrence of PVT, mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT), hospital admissions and UVB were recorded. RESULTS: EGDS was performed in 27 (26%) patients. PVT and MVT were detected in 30 (33%) and 8 (9.8%) patients, respectively. Patients who underwent EGDS were at greater risk of PVT (63% vs 19.7%; odds ratio [OR] 6.12 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.3 to 16.1], p<0.001) when compared with a non-surgical approach. There was no significant difference in UVB occurrence and ß-blocker usage. PVT was associated with more hospital admissions (p=0.030) and higher alkaline phosphatase levels (p=0.008). UVB occurrence in patients with and without thrombosis was similar. In multivariate analysis, after adjustment, PVT was associated with the surgical approach (OR 4.56 [95% CI 1.55 to 13.38], p=0.006) and age at HSS diagnosis (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.90 to 0.99], p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: EGDS was not associated with a decreased frequency of UVB when compared with the non-surgical approach but was an independent risk factor for PVT.

Transcriptional profiling of embryo cryotolerance.

The cryosurvival of embryos is a complex process involving dynamic and integrated morphological, functional, and molecular changes. Here, we evaluated the transcriptional profiling of bovine embryos possessing high and low cryotolerance (HC and LC, respectively) by assessing the resumption of development. Embryos were produced in vitro (N = 1137) and cryopreserved (N = 894). Blastocysts samples possessed pronounced group individualization at RNA sequencing. A total of 114 genes were differentially expressed, and 27 and 84 genes were upregulated in HC and LC, respectively. Among the over-represented biological functions, cellular growth and proliferation, cell death and survival, and organismal survival were predicted to be activated, while cellular movement and cell-to-cell signaling were predicted to be inhibited in HC embryos. Enriched canonical pathways and upstream regulators related to cellular proliferation and survival (HC), inflammatory processes, and cell death (LC) were predicted to represent two embryonic molecular profiles present during the resumption of development after cryopreservation. The marked contrast in transcriptional profiles between HC and LC strongly suggests the influence of embryonic competence after cryopreservation on its respective transcriptome and indicated that HC and LC presented two different molecular strategies to overcome cryopreservation-related stress and resume postcryopreservation development.

Effect of different catching practices during manual upright handling on broiler welfare and behavior.

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of different catching practices during manual upright handling on broiler welfare and behavior. Catching was examined in a total of 4,595 Cobb broilers with average live weight of 3.2 kg and 42 days old. Six catching practices were evaluated: shed curtain position, loading time, catching method, catching team, height of the crates from the floor, and placement of the bird in the crate. Behavioral welfare indicators were defined as follows: 1) broiler agitation in the catcher's hands, measured when the birds flapped their wings, kicked, or wriggled in the hands; 2) broiler striking the crate entrance as it was being placed in the crate, measured when the birds get the head, wings, or legs, hit at the crate entrance; and 3) broiler agitation in the crate, measured when birds flapped the wings or jumped inside the crate for 3 s or more after placement in the crate. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the chance of occurrence of each behavioral welfare indicator due to the handling factors. All catching practices evaluated in the present study influenced the birds' welfare and behavior. Thus, some procedures during broiler catching potentially improved their behavior, making them less prone to accidents, and consequently improved their welfare. The catching process should be performed with the curtains in the closed position, carrying one broiler per catcher in an upright position while containing its wings, carefully placing the birds inside the crates, and with the crates being positioned at a height of at least 21 cm from the ground. Additionally, it was concluded that more attention should be given to the broiler catchers, since the position of the curtain, loading time, and position of the crate during handling can influence the work done by them, affecting the welfare and behavior of both humans and birds.

Eye Surface Temperature as a Potential Indicator of Physical Fitness in Ranch Horses.

This study aimed to investigate the use of maximum eye surface temperature (ESTmax), recorded by infrared thermography, as an indicator of physical fitness in ranch horses. Data collection was carried out with 16 horses by recording six physical fitness biomarkers (ESTmax, respiratory rate, creatine kinase activity [CK], and concentrations of total serum protein, plasmatic cortisol, and lactate) before and after a regular working day. We also recorded heart rate during the exercise, exercise duration, average velocity, distance traveled, and air temperature and humidity. The variation between the sampling times was compared by using repeated measures ANOVA or Wilcoxon paired test. The t-test was used to compare ESTmax means of dehydrated and nondehydrated horses. The differences (DIF-) between each variable's sampling times were calculated, and the Spearman's correlation coefficients between DIF-ESTmax and DIF- of other variables were estimated. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the horses according to their physical fitness. All biomarkers increased after the workday, and the ESTmax means of dehydrated and nondehydrated horses did not differ (P < .05). DIF-CK and DIF-ESTmax were positively correlated (rs = 0.56, P < .05). The cluster analysis defined two groups of horses (LOW and HIGH), with DIF-ESTmax and DIF-CK differing statistically between them. HIGH horses showed CK higher than 350 U/L, indicating some degree of muscle damage. These results suggest that ESTmax has potential to predict changes in CK and, thus could be a useful indicator of physical fitness in ranch horses; although, its effectiveness has to be confirmed in future studies.

Maternal apical periodontitis is associated with insulin resistance in adult offspring.

AIM: To investigate the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of rats with maternal apical periodontitis (AP) and to explore the effect of maternal inflammation on the initial steps of insulin signalling and the inflammatory pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and periepididymal white adipose tissue (pWAT) of adult offspring. METHODOLOGY: Fifteen female Wistar rats were distributed into a control group (CN), a group with 1 tooth with AP (1AP) and a group with 4 teeth with AP (4AP). Thirty days following induction of AP, female rats from all groups were mated with healthy male rats. When male offspring reached 75 days of age, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and TNF-α were quantified. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) serine, IκB kinase α/ß (IKKα/ß) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the GM and pWAT were measured by Western blot. Analysis of variance was performed, followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. P values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Maternal AP promoted insulin resistance, impaired the initial steps of insulin signalling, significantly increased plasma concentrations of insulin (P < 0.001) and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and enhanced IKKα/ß phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT (P < 0.05) of adult offspring. However, maternal AP did not affect fasting glycaemia and JNK phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT of adult offspring. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal AP was associated with insulin resistance in adult offspring through alterations in insulin signalling and inflammation pathways. The study provides information on the impact of maternal AP on the development of metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance in adult offspring and reinforces the importance of preventing maternal AP in order to maintain the general health of offspring.

Embryo competence and cryosurvival: Molecular and cellular features.

Global cattle genetic market is experiencing a change of strategy, large genetic companies, traditionally recognized in the artificial insemination field, have also begun to operate in the embryo market. Consequently, the demand for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos has grown. However, the overall efficiency of the biotechnology process remains low. Additionally, the lack of homogeneity of post-cryopreservation survival results of IVP embryos still impairing a massive dissemination of this biotechnology in the field. A great challenge for in vitro production labs is to increase the amount of embryos produced with exceptional quality after each round of in vitro fertilization. Herein, we discuss the molecular and cellular features associated with the competence and cryosurvival of IVP embryos. First, morphofunctional, cellular and molecular competence of the embryos were addressed and a relationship between embryo developmental ability and quality were established with cryosurvival and pregnancy success. Additionally, determinant factors of embryo competence and cryosurvival were discussed including the following effects: genotype, oocyte quality and follicular microenvironment, in vitro production conditions, and lipids and other determining molecules. Finally, embryo cryopreservation aspects were addressed and an embryo-focused approach to improve cryosurvival was presented.